Although you and your spouse are heading for divorce, you probably do not want to go through the agony of a drawn-out court battle. Mediation may be an option if relations are amicable enough between the two of you. A pre-mediation contract is one part of the mediation process.
FindLaw explains that a pre-mediation contract sets conditions for the mediation. This is a good stage to help guide your mediation going forward.
The nature of the mediation
A major benefit of mediation is that you do not expose your personal information through a court proceeding. A pre-mediation contract can help ensure that your mediation is as confidential as you want it to be. The contract will also establish that the mediator will not hand down a binding resolution. You and your spouse must agree to it first.
Conditions of the mediator
You and your spouse must choose the individual who will mediate your divorce. Through your contract, you will establish who the mediator is and how you will pay for the mediation. Usually, both spouses divide the cost evenly.
Termination of the mediation
Pre-mediation contracts can make sure the mediation does not go on for too long by creating a time limit. Many people complete mediation in half a day or a full day, but some mediations may go longer. However, your contract may describe how to end the mediation if you and your spouse agree that your negotiations are not going anywhere.
Pre-mediation contracts will vary by the people who draft them. Still, the basic conditions are important to know so you feel confident that the mediation will work to your benefit.
